Herbal and Botanical Heros from the English Coast and Countryside
When I am developing products at Innerlather, I look for natural ingredients that smell great and help your skin / mind: nourishing the physical skin barrier while simultaneously supporting the nervous system. Fortunately, some of the most amazing botanicals grow and thrive exceptionally well right here in the UK.
Here is a look at six hero UK botanicals—Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, Rose Geranium, Borage and Sea Buckthorn —and how they work on both your skin and your mind.
1. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
For the Skin: Rich in natural powerful antioxidants, Rosemary is a brilliant clarifying botanical. It stimulates local microcirculation beneath the skin, helping to deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. Its natural antimicrobial properties make it ideal for balancing oil production and keeping pores clear without stripping the skin.
For the Mind: In aromatherapy, Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance and clarity. Inhaling its crisp herbal aroma helps clear morning brain fog, reduce mental fatigue, and sharpen focus, making it the perfect addition to a morning moisturing routine.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Lime and Rosemary Balm, made with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E, lashings of Essential Oils and nourishment in a fabulous twist up stick so you can apply it when and where you need it.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
For the Skin: Lavender is the ultimate skin healer. Packed with natural linalool , it possesses exceptional anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It rapidly calms redness, soothes minor irritations, and helps repair a compromised or sun-exposed skin barrier.
For the Mind: Clinically proven to lower sympathetic nervous system activity, Lavender reduces heart rate and eases anxiety. Inhaling Lavender signals to your brain that it is safe to unwind, helping you drift into deep, restorative sleep.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Quite a few of them ! Calm Balm, Lavender Top to Toe Wash, Lavender Cleansing Bar, Rich Borage Cream. Definiately one for layering !
3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla / Chamaemelum nobile)
For the Skin: If your skin is reactive, prone to eczema, or easily inflamed, Chamomile is your best friend. It acts as a gentle, natural anti-inflammatory that takes the heat and sting out of dry, irritated skin.
For the Mind: Chamomile’s sweet, apple-like herbaceous scent acts as a gentle sedative for an overworked mind. It helps quiet racing thoughts, melt away frustration, and ground emotional volatility after a demanding day.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Our wonderful Calm Balm, a great partner to our more stimulating Lime and Rosemary Balm, made with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E, lashings of Essential Oils and nourishment in a fabulous twist up stick so you can apply it when and where you need it. Also perfect for using on your pulse points or temples to calm and sooth when stressed or over stimulated, and at night time.
4. Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
For the Skin: Known as the “ balancer," Rose Geranium restores equilibrium to all skin types. It regulates sebum production—hydrating dry patches while controlling excess shine in oily areas—and improves skin elasticity for a smooth, radiant complexion.
For the Mind: Rose Geranium works directly on the endocrine system to help balance mood swings, particularly those linked to hormonal shifts or chronic stress. Its warm, green-floral scent lowers cortisol and creates an immediate sense of emotional harmony.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Rose Top to Toe Wash, Rose Cleansing Bar. We also have beautiful Rose Oil in our Frankincense and Rose Face Cream.
5. Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)
For the Skin: Derived from the bright blue "starflower" that paints the UK countryside summer blue, Borage Seed Oil is one of the richest known natural plant source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)—an essential fatty acid vital for skin barrier repair. It penetrates deeply to rebuild damaged lipids, lock in moisture, and treat severe dryness, redness, and inflammation.
For the Mind: While Borage is primarily used as a carrier oil for skin nutrition, the act of massaging this rich, golden lipid into the skin provides profound tactile grounding. Historically known as the "herb of gladness," incorporating Borage into your evening routine encourages a mindful moment of self-nourishment.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Rich Borage Face Cream, made for your face but great to use anywhere that needs repair and nourishment, great for many people with Eczema/Dematitis.
6. Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides)
For the Skin: Often referred to as a "super-berry" lipid, Sea Buckthorn is one of the rare plant oils on Earth rich in Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid)—a crucial fatty acid naturally present in healthy skin that diminishes with age. Paired with intense levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and carotenoids, this golden-orange oil deeply restores damaged skin barriers, calms chronic redness, and encourages rapid cellular regeneration.
For the Mind: In traditional botanical lore, Sea Buckthorn’s vivid orange color was associated with vitality and warmth. Inhaling its subtle, sweet, and slightly tangy aroma during your evening routine offers an immediate sense of warmth, comforting an exhausted mind and invigorating your sensory spirit.
Which Innerlather products will I find it in? Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion